Train Luggage Thefts Surge 30%: Expert Tips to Protect Your Belongings

Having your suitcase stolen on a train is not only inconvenient but can also be financially devastating. Last year, train luggage theft rose significantly, leaving many travellers without their belongings. New figures from the British Transport Police, obtained by MoneySuperMarket, reveal that luggage thefts on UK trains reached 1,812 in 2025, nearly 30 per cent higher than in 2023.

How to Keep Your Luggage Safe

Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, explains: 'Thefts are more likely to happen in the UK's busiest, most connected stations. High passenger traffic makes it easier for thieves to blend in, act quickly, and disappear into the crowd.' Here, we compile expert advice to help rail passengers stay vigilant and protect their belongings.

Keep Your Belongings in Sight

The best strategy is to keep your luggage well within sight during your journey. Alicia advises: 'The best thing you can do is keep your luggage in sight wherever possible. If you are booking online, you may be able to choose a seat near luggage racks, which can make it easier to keep an eye on larger items.'

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Choose Distinctive Luggage and Clever Labels

Chris Harrington, travel expert and managing director at hoppa, shares his top tips. 'If you've gone with a typical dark coloured 'incognito' luggage, you're bound to have difficulty spotting it among all the others if it does go walkabout,' he says. 'I highly recommend using brightly coloured, distinctive luggage, no matter how 'uncool' it might be. Uniqueness is what will make your luggage harder to steal unnoticed.' When labelling your bag, use your name, email address, or phone number, but avoid your full home address, as this could help a thief identify an empty home.

Try a Tracking Device

Tracking devices like Apple AirTags or Tile by Life360 Mates can be a game-changer. Chris notes: 'It's 2026, and our technology advancements have never been better. You can now pick up reliable tracking devices for very little money, so there's no excuse not to implement this tip into your travel plans. These devices connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and you get automatically alerted if your bag strays beyond a safe distance, helping you find it quickly, especially if you've chosen distinctive luggage.'

Carry Your Bags Safely

Consider alternative ways to carry your bag that make it harder for a thief to grab or unzip it without you noticing. Crossbody bags allow you to keep your bag in front of you, minimising exposure and giving you more control over your possessions than a backpack or handbag. However, backpacks remain popular for their convenience and comfort. Chris recommends: 'Keep important documents and high-value items in a crossbody bag and put your clothes and non-essentials in your backpack, as losing materialistic items doesn't cause as much stress as losing your wallet or phone.'

Claim on Travel Insurance

If you become a victim of luggage theft, you may be able to claim on your insurance. Alicia adds: 'Most annual travel insurance policies cover luggage theft on domestic trips, but your journey needs to meet your insurer's definition of a UK holiday, so it's worth checking the small print. You may also be able to claim on home contents insurance, which can sometimes cover belongings outside the home, including on public transport.'